Relating to the advertising, display, and offer of prices for prepared food.
If enacted, HB 5212 will amend the Business and Commerce Code to include specific provisions about deceptive food pricing practices. It empowers consumers to take legal action against sellers who fail to comply, allowing them to seek injunctions and damages of up to $1,000, along with attorney's fees. Additionally, the Attorney General is given the authority to enforce compliance and recover damages on behalf of consumers. This legislation is expected to enhance consumer rights and foster a more transparent food market.
House Bill 5212 seeks to introduce stricter regulations on how prepared food prices are advertised and displayed in Texas. The bill mandates that sellers of prepared food must disclose the full price that consumers will pay, including any mandatory fees, charges, taxes, or additional costs imposed by the seller or a governmental entity. This requirement aims to ensure that consumers are not misled by advertisements that do not reflect the total cost of purchasing food products. The bill emphasizes clarity in pricing, requiring that the full price is clearly displayed in an easily readable font size and type.
While the bill may appear beneficial for consumer protection, it may also face opposition regarding its potential impact on local businesses. Critics argue that the requirement could impose additional burdens on small food vendors who may struggle to meet the strict display and pricing transparency requirements. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the enforcement mechanism, particularly regarding how the Attorney General's office will manage potential violations without overstepping into excessive regulation that could stifle entrepreneurship in the food industry.